Fender Acoustic-Electric Guitars

I bought this guitar from musician's friend for $200. I liked the design and price. I like the paisley finish. The guitar has a bright sound. The fishman pick up is impressive. It also has an onboard EQ. The action is bit high. But I can adjust it. Typical of Fender guitars, the construction is more than adequate. This is a great back up acoustic guitar. It's not as full sounding as a deep body acoustic. The sound and playability however, are fantastic. I was going to give it 4 stars for quality. But with the marked down price , I'll add another star for value. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar in February 2003 in a Spanish shop called "Call & Play". I paid for it 180 € (200 $ more or less) I play a few Yamahas and the sound of this Fender was amazing comparing to them. This guitar is perfect for beginers. Soft cords and lovely sound. The sunburst color is beautiful. With sunburst color you have to clean often in black parts, but is complete normal. Perfect, all my friends like my guitar :D I don't have any problems with it. A guitar for beginers. Perfect sound, very playable, not enough expensive. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Purchased new at Bryan's House of Music for $700.00 (MSRP $950.00). I checked out several other acoustic-electric cutaways, in the store, and this one sounded better than any of the others in the price range. It's workmanship was also superior. The guitar has a good, balanced tone when unplugged. It's not a Martin, but it does sound better than most acoustics, and better than any other acoustic-electric cutaway in it's price range. When plugged in, however, the sound quality really stands out. It sounds incredible, even on my Peavy electric amp. The amp I tried at the store was a Fender Acoustasonic Jr, and the guitar sound was truly awesome. The electronics are Fishman, and though not the highest end (like a mike/pickup blend you get on a Martin), they are quite good. The action is not as refined as a Taylor, since the design tolerances on the neck are more a "production" type. I play a 79 Les Paul Custom, and I know how good action can get. I'd say the DG-47SCE has good to excellent action. The intonation is excellent. Any chords played up the neck, or chords played with a capo on, say, the seventh fret, ring true. It's one of the guitar's better features. Lastly, I really think the GD-47SCE is a beautiful guitar. It's much prettier in person, and the rosewood used for the back is beautiful (as is the rosewood laminate on the sides). There really isn't anything I don't like. There are some things that would make this a better guitar, but those things would also make it a $1500.00 guitar (on a good-deal buy). For example, a real mahogany neck instead of nato would up the guitar's worth, as would solid rosewood sides. However, the nato neck and laminated sides don't affect the sound or playability to any noticeable degree, so it's value-for-the-money issue. One thing that would really make this an outstanding guitar, to me, is if they would have used ebony on the fretboard. But hey, rosewood is fine (especially if you prefer it). Anyone who wants all this stuff, including the afore-mentioned higher-end electronics, should buy a Martin DC-16RGTE or a Taylor 410ce ~ for about $1400.00 at Guitar Center. The point being that you get what you pay for. If you want a great acoustic-electric cutaway, and want to spend under a thousand bucks, the Fender GD-47SCE is by far the best thing out there. Given it's price, there is nothing I don't like about this guitar. Here again, it's not Taylor, or Larrivee, but it's not your typical foriegn made either. I would defy anyone to find a better made "import." There are a few things inside the body that could be "cleaned up" but outside, I cannot find a single thing wrong. The beautiful tortise binding and headstock overlay are top-notch construction, as is the abalone rosette. And here's a real plus: Gold plated Grover tuning keys (the best). The gold Grovers and the inlaid Fender logo on the shiny black overlay, make the headstock really attractive. The AA solid spruce top is not perfectly bookmarked on mine (sheen, not grain), but I prefer it that way. Very, very good workmanship on this guitar. This guitar beats any other acoustic-electric cutaway in it's price range (and beats some $1200.00 makes as well) hands down. But if you put aside the value thing, its simply a very well made, beautiful looking, excellent sounding, and very playable guitar. What more could you want? I would definitely recommend this guitar, as I can't imagine anyone not appreciating it. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

To start off this review, I want to say that 95% of what I play is on Electric guitar. But I took a couple of guitar classes that required an acoustic guitar, so I went shopping for one. I settled on this particular one for reasons that I'll explain later in the review. For now, here are the basic specs on it: Made in China Fishman Piezoelectric pick-up system with built-in tuner. Controls for it are as follows: Volume, Bass, Mid, Treble. Sunburst finish (Hence the "SB" after the model number) 20 Frets. The neck on this thing is pretty decent for an acoustic guitar, though I have fairly big hands, so your mileage may vary. Tuners on this thing are your standard Grover-style knock-offs Rosewood fretboard with dot-inlays UTILIZATION I have to say, I was pretty impressed with the build quality on this guitar. So far, the only thing that I've found shabbyfaulty is the tuner-on switch. Whatever latching system it used has since broken, and to tune you have to hold the button down. Not exactly practical, so I'll probably have the tech at my local shop take look at it. Besides that, I haven't found any faults with the build quality, and I'm pretty picky when it comes to this stuff. Fret access is good for an acoustic guitar, as it is a cutaway, which is one of the top reasons I got this guitar. The fret job on the neck was also well done and I haven't developed any problems with dead notes, etc. SOUNDS While I'm sure that this doesn't sound near as nice as a Gibson or a Martin, I didn't need a several thousand dollar acoustic guitar for a couple of classes. That being said, out of all of the sub $500 dollar acoustic guitars at the store, this one sounded by far the best. My only complaint is that it is a little on the dull side, but I think I can fix that with a set of brighter strings. When I do play acoustic guitar, I like to play stuff that has powerful chords and a lot of movement in it, think the acoustic parts to Metallica's "Fade to Black". This guitar works decently well for what I use it for, even if I do wish it was a brighterjangly-er. OVERALL OPINION Overall, I have to say that I am more than pleased with the purchase of the guitar. $300 with a Fender hard-case for a guitar that sounds this good is a absolute steal. I tried out all of the other sub-$500 acoustics in the store, and this one sounded the best. I would buy this same guitar again in a heartbeat, because it not only sounds great, but the price was great as well. My final verdict? If you are looking for that ultimate acoustic guitar tone, then this is obviously not going to be the guitar for you. On the other hand, if you don't play acoustic all that often, and you just

Fender originally made this model back in the 70s, you'll notice the retro headstock is similar to that of the Fender XII solidbody electric. Well like all hideous things from the 70s, this guitars back too! This came in my local music shop and for $399 I give it a big thumbs up for its sound, pickups and onboard tuner. I have only good things to say about this guitar. The onboard tuner rocks. Tuning a 12 string guitar is no walk in the park. The vintage style white coated tuning pegs do a fine job at looking cool as well as holding tune. There is a factory installed strap button! This is a feature that is rare on guitars and I have no clue why. It is a simple process, but can be really stressful to player who isn't handy with a drill. The string tree right about the synthetic bone nut keeps the strings under wrap to prevent any unwanted string buzz. None at all for the price range of this guitar. Sure there are better playing and sounding guitars...for 3 or 4 times the price! The Villager is made in Fender China factory. It features a solid spruce top with laminated mahogany back and sides. The neck is maple with a rosewood fretboard. All of the 20 frets can be accessed with the cutaway design of the body. A superb choice for the gigging 12-stringer or well if you've just ever wanted to flirt with a 12-string. The onboard tuner, cutaway and Fishman pickup are great additions to a sweet sounding guitar. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

This is the ultra hip new acoustic bass put out by Fender. Right off the bat you'll do a double take. It looks like they just slapped a Fender electric bass neck on an acoustic body. Well that's mostly what they did! A very similar neck offers the same 1 1/2 inch action at the nut, Fender's classic style open gear tuners and the headstock that made them famous. I saw this in my local shop and fell in love. All the features you are looking for in an acoustic/electric bass for under $500. Well $1 under $500, the price was $499. The neck is very comfortable if you are used to playing a Fender electric. The Fishman onboard preamp sounds great. It features a built-in tuner, 3-band EQ (bass mid and treble) a phase button, battery light and a master volume. The same battle with all acoustic basses, if they could only be a tiny bit louder. Usually for acoustic jams I'll plug into a small amp just so I don't get buried. Spruce top, it is some sort of laminated back and sides, I'll guess that's some sort of mahogany? Block inlays, maple neck, full 34' scale bass (same as a Fender electric) Overall it feels great. Every electric bassist has those handful of gigs that calls for an acoustic bass. This one is a great pick. Plays and feels much like an electric without losing the acoustic vibe. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

No surfer scene is complete without the sound byte of Dick Dale's 'Misirlou' playing in the background. This is Fender's signature guitar for Jimmy Dale, Dick Dale's son. It is an all Mahogany body dreadnought cut-away with pick guards on both sides of the sound hole. This is preview of the guitar based on Manufacture specifications only. The guitar will be very sturdy being all mahogany. It has a double pick guard for added protection. No spruce means that this beach guitar can be played at the beach without having to worry too much about the excessive humidity. It also has Fishman electronics with a built in chromatic tuner. As far as sound goes, Mahogany tops usually make for a dark sounding guitar. The wood is much more dense than spruce or cedar. If you are looking for a chimey and loud acoustic, this is not the guitar. It also has only a three inch depth which is nice for comfort but will greatly effect projection. It has a retail price of $850 which is quite high for a Fender acoustic. All parts of the guitar seem to be quality. The wood is all solid with no laminating. It will probably be a pretty sturdy guitar. This will be a good beach guitar especially if you are a Dale fan. The price is a little steep but signature guitars tend to be. If you are looking for a great sounding guitar, this is probably not what you are looking for. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I just starting playing, less than 3 years. Many of my friends play. I come from a very musical town in New Brunswick, Canada, where playing and singing is the norm. I own a GA45sce Fender, a Epitphone by gibson and a Art & Luthier. This is a tough question...I bought the GA45s model (acoustic version) for approx. $700.00 Canadian on "sale"...one year ago this past christmas...something went wrong with that model...a factory defect. Fender gracefully agreed to replace it with the GA45sce model a substancial upgrade.So that is why I ended up with this particular model of Fender. I am totally in love with this guitar...and so is anyone who has had the "prevlidge" of playing it. I have friends who are in bands and some of whom have 45 years playing experience try this guitar and they all love the sound and look of it. The neck has tons of good complements. The ease of playing, it is a joy to own. It looks great and sounds even better, what more can I say...I am very happy with it. So far I have no complaints at all, but I have read in a few reviews that the nut should have been made of better quality material. Beautiful to look at and the feel is just right. The quality of craftmanship compares to high priced Taylors, Martins and then some. When plugged in the Fishman electronics sound great and I love the built in tuner too. Great job Fender. I love this guitar and would replace it with the exact same model if something were to happen to this one. Several friends want to know where did you get this, how much did it cost and where can I get one....haha they sure can't have mine. If I did not have to work for a living, I'd stay home and play it everyday! This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this guitar at my local music store for $550 or so (maybe $515 can't remember.) Bought it 2 years ago becuase I had an electric and really wanted an acoustic. Where can I begin? The sound is excellent. Perfect. Not overly bright like most acoustic electrics. It has an excelently balanced tone both plugged in and unplugged. It's fairly loud for an acoustic electric when unplugged. It can keep up with most standard acoustics. The guitar looks like a million dollars with the tortoise shell binding and pearl inlays. Not glitsy, just beautiful. The cutaway is very handy. The pickup is a good quality pickup that doesn't give a lot of unwanted feed back, and it has great controls to balance the sound the way you want it. When changing the battery in the pickup my wires got pinched whenever I put it back. It was a bit of a pain, but how often do you change the battery? And it may not happen to all of them. To fix it I just had to reach my hand in and keep the wires tight so they wouldn't get caught. I also would have liked a tuner included in the pickup. Yeah it's foreign, but what isn't nowadays? I haven't found any major or minor flaws in the craftsmanship. It's sturdy, and beautiful. It probably could have done with a pick guard, but it wouldn't look as nice. If you really want one mention it to the guy you're buying from and he might do it for free of give you a discount. You will not find a better lookin, sounding, or playing guitar for under $1000-$1500 dollars, and this one costs $500. I go to a music college (Belmont University) and all the musicians here are impressed with it when they play it, then their jaw drops when they hear the price. Fender has redemed themselves in the acoustic guitar category (cause their acoustics were trash) with this model. This is one of the best guitars out there, especially if you don't want to spend as much money as a car on a guitar. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this guitar at my local Guitar Center and paid around $500 with a hardshell case, a strap, and some extra stuff. I think I got the guitar itself for around $400 (around $50-100 less than the lowest price online). The tone is great for a non-solid back and sides. It's a bright tone, and sounds great with the Elixir Nanowebs I put on them. The gold tuners add a nice touch to the guitar's already very nice look. I have it in Sunburst finish, which adds further to the personality of the guitar. The action was crazy high when I bought this guitar, and in addition, once I lowered the action myself, there were two pretty deep slots in my saddle. This might have been the problem with the muffled sound when I first plugged it in. The gloss finish pisses me off...of course all gloss finishes do. Also, with hindsight, I would much rather have bought it without a pick-up, as Piezo pick-ups sound like crap if you play too hard. The quality pretty much lives up to the Fender name. Fender isn't known for Acoustics, but it is known for quality. The solid Sitka Spruce top develops its tone more and more as you play it...it's one of those friends you'll have for a very long time. This guitar is well worth the price, and I highly suggest it. It's a great guitar to start out with. However, I do wish the back and side were solid, and see how the tone would be. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got my guitar from my parents for x-mas of 03. I have never been told how much it was, i was told it was a gift from santa ...... This guitar is great as soon as i took it outside the box and strumed it it has a very clear tone. It playes great fingers seam to just fall into place on the guitar unlike with my dad old yamaha.Very easy to tune. I have been playing guitar for about a year befor i got this guitar and i fell in love with it i have a friend that has been playing for 7 year and he tells me it playes better then his $300 gibson. Anouther thing i like about this guitar is it sound great no matter what style or kinda of music your playin heavy,picking, strumming,slide doeasn't matter.A great thing about this unit is that it's an Acoustic/Electric so when nobody is around or your jammin with some of your friend just plug her in and she sounds awsome. There is only one thing i dislike about this guitar is it's black it look very nice but it hard to keep spotless.I'm take very good care of my guitar wipe it down whenever i'm done playin and i havn't had any trouble but one time i went a week with out wiping it down and it was very hard to get back the original shine. When u get that shine it's like a mirror. outher then that the guitar is flawless. This guitar is great, love everthing about, it sounde like a $400 guitar right out of the box. The electric inside of it run perfect never had any trouble with it.plug it in and it sound perfect. BOTTOM LINE: This guitar is worth twice whatever my MOM and DAD (santa) payed for it it's worth it's weight in gold you could say playes great for any level of guitar player everthing workes perfect. The only bad point is it's hard to keep clean but when it is ,it catches peoples eyes.I give it a 5 because it's everthing u could ask for in a acousic guitar. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I got this Fender off of Guitar Crazy's website. I got it for a good price of 82 dollars new. They have a overstock there. If you want a guitar make sure you go there. It is very slick and light. You can go anywhere with this guitar. I play it in the top of my 75 foot tree. The wind carries it when i am that high on time it dropped and shattered i had to get a new one. very Nice and light It is a very breakable guitar I am retarded This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com